Product Description
Sufism, the Transformation of the Heart gives a clear and accessible outline of Sufism: its basic principles, historical background, and recent development in the West. While exploring the spiritual and psychological processes of transformation, this book offers practical guidelines to help the seeker. Sufism, the Transformation of the Heart is a valuable introduction to a dynamic spiritual path that is attracting growing interest in the West. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Longing for God
In Sufism, The Transformation of the Heart, Vaughan-Lee brilliantly describes a spiritual tradition that cannot be nailed down in words--a path of inner union between lover and Beloved, "a bridge from the world of forms to the formless." In this book he introduces the major teachers of different branches of Sufism, while distilling the essence of the path taught by all of the masters: the cry of the soul to God.

For those who have tasted this desire for God, Vaughan-Lee's passages will blow on the fire of their longing. For those new to Sufism, this book is an excellent introduction to a spiritual path that leads to the heart's transformation. I love how simply and lovingly Vaughan-Lee points our attention away from ego-identification with this transformation, reminding us that we are here for the Divine to reveal the Divine to Itself. (It is so easy to get caught in the ego's games of claiming spiritualness for itself.)

Vaughan-Lee's unique contribution to Sufi literature is his application of Jungian psychology to help Westerners understand this process of transformation. I found the chapter "Polishing the Heart" particularly helpful, where he describes a woman's relationship to her animus much more clearly and more intimately than Jungian texts covering the same subject. Vaughan-Lee also gives attention to the suffering of the feminine in Western culture and how we have collectively repressed feminine qualities, inner experiences, and a mystical connection with God. This book is very accessible and a valuable resource.

"Heart's Desiring-- Soul's Journeying"
What is written in The Transformation of the Heart speaks to the basics of the spiritual path, the fundamental questions a seeker has when she yearns to embark on this strange journey of the heart. "At the core of all Sufi practices is the element of love and devotion," the author says in the introduction, and everything that follows is invitation and methodology to go deeper and deeper into one's heart.
I particularly appreciated the chapter in which Dr. Vaughan-Lee discusses the relationship with the teacher. It's so different to the way we've been culturally conditioned to experience relationship in the West, as some form of association between person and person, ego and ego. The author shows the real relationship with the teacher, that the teacher is an empty space through which the love and grace of the path flow. ... Read more

Product Description
Love is a Fire is an introduction to the Sufi path of love, taking the reader into the passion and wisdom of this mystical tradition. The call of the heart and how it draws us back to divine union is one of mankind's greatest secrets, and for the Sufi this love is a fire that burns away all traces of separation. Love is a Fire is based on live talks and meetings with Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee, who teaches how to live this burning. He describes the stages of the path of love on the soul's journey home. This is a book for anyone drawn to the fire of divine love. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Skip this book.
I read many Sufism books and this is one of the worst. My sister found it offensive and threw it out. I Love Hazarat Khan books. Art of Being is a good start.

Spirtual answers

This may be my personal favorite of Llewellyn's many books. this is an incredible book of spiritual wisdom, love, clarity, and truth.I am deeply moved by the spiritual depth this fabulous teacher shares.In the complex and challenging times we live in....this book is a light to give us insight to our own path. It is so full and rich..I deeply grateful for this book.

A Guidebook for the Heart
A timeless book describing the dance of our hearts as it moves to the song of the Beloved Divine calling us home.

A splendidly written introduction to the Sufi path of love
Love Is A Fire: The Sufi's Mystical Journey Home is a splendidly written introduction to the Sufi path of love. Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee reveals to the reader the passion and wisdom of this ancient mystical tradition and is based on his live talks and meetings. Love Is A Fire describes the stages of the path of love on the soul's journey home and is informative, inspiring, rewarding reading for all truth seekers and students of Sufi wisdom. ... Read more

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Product Description
The life and teachings of Islam's most dramatic and controversial mystic, Husayn ibn Mansur,better known as Al-Hallaj (the reader of hearts). ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

More of an introduction to al-Hallaj
If you have never read anything regarding al-Hallaj he is probably one of the most controversial figures in Islamic literature.Executed for amongst other things his 'heretical' utterings such as "ana al-Haqq" (literally "I am God")His execution became the theme of several 'passion plays' (The book 'The death of al-Hallaj' being though just an edited version of Massignons work is pretty much an English translation of one)

This book, is something of an introduction to al-Hallaj, his life and teachings and the events leading up to his death.It would be quite a useful book were it not for the price which I think is even more expensive than Massignons edited al-Hallaj!The author does an excellent job in re-introducing al-Hallaj to the public, instead of concentrating on his supposed "Heretical" Comments he places al-Hallaj in the centre of political scheming that resulted in his execution.al-Hallaj is described as a man devoted to his prayers and in fact a man strict in his observance of Islamic law.He travelled widely converting many in Central Asia and even as far as China and most of the controversy appears to come from opponents within the Abbasid court (Both Shia and Sunni) who saw him as something of a peoples champion against their own exploitation of the common people.The charged against al-Hallaj were not so much his supposed uttering against God but rather that he had constructed a Kaba in his home and said it would act as an alternative to making the pilgrimage to Mecca for those who could not afford it (This had previously been done ironically by the Abbasid Court for their own Turkish soldiers, in Soviet Russia a Tatar city in Central Russia was used as an alternative to the Haj for Muslims unable to go because of Soviet restraints on religion and it is fairly common in Islamic history for "Alternatives" To be mentioned for those unable to make the pilgrimage) A further interesting point was that some of the strongest defenders of al-Hallaj were in fact the Hanbalis (It appears that al-Hallaj was a Hanbali himself) a Islamic school of thought generally seen today as one of the least tolerant towards Sufism.The author points out that this may have been the main reason that ibn Taymiyya had a particular dislike for al-Hallaj due to possible widespread sympathy within his own school for him even in his day.Furthermore, looking at the reasons that ibn Taymiyya condemns the man it would appear contary to the teachings of al-Hallaj himself.

I enjoyed reading this book and it certainly provided an eye opener to early Sufism and to early Hanbali Islam.Therefore I would strongly recommend it.

Worth a read but only if you can find it second hand or on sale price.Otherwise, you may as well get the complete Massignon book. ... Read more

Product Description
Sufism, the name given to Islamic mysticism, has been the subject of many studies, but the orders through which the organizational aspect of the Sufi spirit was expressed has been neglected.The Sufi Orders in Islam is one of the earliest modern examinations of the historical development of Sufism and is considered a classic work in numerous sources of Islamic studies today.Here, author J. Spencer Trimingham offers a clear and detailed account of the formation and development of the Sufi schools and orders (tariqahs) from the second century of Islam until modern times.

Trimingham focuses on the practical disciplines behind the mystical aspects of Sufism which initially attracted a Western audience.He shows how Sufism developed and changed, traces its relationship to the unfolding and spread of mystical ideas, and describes in sharp detail its rituals and ceremonial practices.Finally, he assesses the influence of these Sufi orders upon Islamic society in general.John O. Voll has added a new introduction to this classic text and provides readers with an updated list of further reading. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Aimed at Experts
Much of this book, especially in the beginning, reads like a jargon-filled, complicated encyclopedia.Trimingham crams much information in here without successfully elaborating upon it or illustrating the points of highlights and importance.Only the patient, academic reader will come away with some real increased knowledge.If Trimingham is an expert on Sufism, he is not an expert in being concise, simple or direct.So - if you're an expert you may give this book 3 or 4 stars for its comprehensive details - but you'll have to look past the jargony, technical, and cramped style in which it is written.Those interested in a simple or concise introduction to Sufism should look elsewhere.

Good book but can be lacking
This book almost set the standard.While there are many books of its kind in say Arabic or Turkish there are not many in English that cover a brief history of all of the major Sufi orders.

The book details the history of Sufism, the early Sufis and then the establishment of the Sufi orders to the present day (or to be more exact the late 60s which it seems this is all the book goes up to)

I would not say this book is difficult to read unless you know almost nothing concerning Sufism in which case A Schimmel Mystical Dimentions of Islam or one of the books of William Chittick or R.A Nicholson may be of more use to you.

One slight problem though, there are a few errors in this book and very little covers Sufism in Turkey or the Ottoman Empire.There is some interesing passages concerning Sufism in Africa though which judging by his other works is his main field.

Comprehensive, Scholarly, and Difficult to Read
This book is a very interesting book about a much misunderstood area of Islam.It is comprehensive in that it covers the intellectual aspects of Sufism as well as the organizational aspects.Many books are available that cover the teaching and beliefs of Sufis (the intellectual aspects) and still others cover the tariqas and different orders of Sufism (the organizational aspects) but Trimingham's text covers both aspects together in one volume.The reason for my 4 star rating is that the text is a very difficult read.It tends to jump around a bit and it incorporates a lot of Arabic terms that require the reader to bounce back and forth between the section they are reading and the glossary of Arabic terms.I guess one can look at this as a positive as well because it forces a better understanding of Arabic terms but it tends to make the reading slow. ... Read more

Product Description
The female voice plays a more central role in Sufi ritual, especially in the singing of devotional poetry, than in almost any other area of Muslim culture. Female singers perform sufiana-kalam, or mystical poetry, at Sufi shrines and in concerts, folk festivals, and domestic life, while male singers assume the female voice when singing the myths of heroines in qawwali and sufiana-kalam. Yet, despite the centrality of the female voice in Sufi practice throughout South Asia and the Middle East, it has received little scholarly attention and is largely unknown in the West. This book presents the first in-depth study of the female voice in Sufi practice in the subcontinent of Pakistan and India. Shemeem Burney Abbas investigates the rituals at the Sufi shrines and looks at womenOs participation in them, as well as male performersO use of the female voice. The strengths of the book are her use of interviews with both prominent and grassroots female and male musicians and her transliteration of audio- and videotaped performances. Through them, she draws vital connections between oral culture and the written Sufi poetry that the musicians sing for their audiences.This research clarifies why the female voice is so important in Sufi practice and underscores the many contributions of women to Sufism and its rituals. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

excellent
This is an excellent book that details women's performance of mystical texts in South Asia. A must for anyone who wants to know about the sociolinguistic contexts of the languages of Pakistan and India. The book has lovely photographs. Easy to read language and details. ... Read more

Product Description

In this comprehensive collection of parables, proverbs and words of wisdom, M.R.Bawa Muhaiyaddeen (Ral.) provides guidance about nearly every aspect of a spiritual life.

Drawing on examples from animal life and nature, M.R. Bawa Muhaiyaddeen (Ral), cautions the reader to avoid what is wrong and turn towards what is right in every aspect of existence.

Just open the book for inspiration, reflection and truth. These words illuminate the life of the soul and lead the reader towards God and unity with all lives.

Customer Reviews (1)

The most essential reading of all for a student of Sufism.
The quintessential work on Sufism! A priceless collection of short stories, aphorisms, songs, Q&As, and wisdom explanations. Much of what appears here is unique and not available in any other book in print. Taken from the spoken word, the words flow with ease and illuminate one's consciousness. The teachings of Bawa Muhaiyaddeen embrace all faiths, all religions with loving kindness. A MUST read for the serious 'seeker' regardless of ones path or personal persuasion!!! ... Read more

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An in-depth study of various styles of Sufi Meditation and Spiritual Healing through Color Therapy, Respiratory Exercises as well as other topics related to Sufism in general. Written by the current patriarch of the Sufi Order of Azeemia, Shaykh Khwaja Shamsuddin Azeemi, 80. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

muraqaba:art and science of sufi meditation
one very practical book and not only for sufi's. A manual for someone to digs deeper into his\her being. A helpful guide for a practitioner on the spiritual path. A real treasure.

Practical and deep
This book so far is the best out of the few dozen books on meditation that I have read. It is clear and uncomplicated. It gives the beginner not only the how, but also the why, about meditation in language anyonecan comprehend and absorb. It's well-organized and the author shares a wealth of contemplative experience and insight.

English as first language
I agree with the above reviews regarding the quality of this work.The problem is the translation and editing.The work should have been edited by someone who has english as a first language.I am sure the translation was a very difficult task and warrents praise, however, due to editing errors parts of the book are difficult to absorb the intended meaning.Every page needs correcting.

Highlighting Meditation but also the factors that can help one to purify inner
This is an advance level book on meditation; Not only highlight secrets of Meditation but also the factors that can help one to purify his inner and get familiar with the ultimate truth of this universe. Meditation is the quickest way of achieving this truth. This book would be an eye opener for the one whose objective is to learn & apply spiritualism in life. I would also like to advice reader of this book to go through it number of times because everytime it would reveal something on you that you had not understood before including the relationship of science & spiritualism. No one had seen electron but with a firm believe of its existence many theories were proposed and inventions took place on that assumption . Similarly spiritualism reveal laws of universe on those who seek guidance from it. From where does the idea comes into the mind of scientist which urges him to research? That unknown & unseen place which transmits the idea to us and specifically to scientist can only been seen with spiritual eye. Existance of science is challengeable in the absence of spiritualism.

Opening your eyes to reality
This book is very unique and special. It's contents are precious in every way. The author describes the chemistry of real life or reality of ourselves as well as the cosmos. It is definitely recommended for novices and experts on the path of Truth(Tasawwuf). Whoever is interested in Sufism should read this book BEFORE any other on the subject. It's the practical door opener to the unseen realm. Through this book discover the limitless powers God has given to each person and know why God has made man His deputy upon this earth. It's a definite BUY, whoever misses this book has missed his self realization. It will change your life for the best. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

Where are the great women??
Where are they?Why aren't we like them? This ancient text leaves youwith those questions, and has you drilling your heart over this finalthough...When will I become like them?

The introduction gives insight tothe ancient text that was recored by As-Sulami Rahimullah. The life of him,and the basic orginization of his text Dhikr an niswa al muta 'abbidat assufiyyat.The introduction is very useful to those who read englishtranslated Sufi texts, because you must be trained formally and spirituallyhow to read a Sufi book. Why? Just because the book is old, translated intoEnglish and available does not make it a good rendering to the actual workitself.

Regarding thr format of the book, it is in a biogrophy style,with the Arabic text facing the English.The name of the women, her Kunya,or her name she was known by.Then the narration begins with the Isnad ofhow As-Sulami heard of the particular woman.

You are left with nothingbut awe, love and want of the divine and at least left begging Allah fortheir qualities.these women were true devotees, they spent their timeworking hard for their akhira, and taking little from the dunya.May Allahgive us all a glimpse of what these women had, for they had it (mar'ifa) atevery waking momment! ... Read more

Product Description
These 115 poems introduce readers in English to Sultan Bahu (d. 1691), a Sufi mystical poet who continues to be one of the most beloved writers in Punjabi. Bahu, whose name translates as "With God," remains highly popular in Pakistan and India today--even illiterate Punjabis can recite his poetry by heart. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Very interesting!
It's a very interesting read, and a very short book. I recommend it. I had to read it for class, but I think I'll keep this one. The poetry just makes sense.

brilliant stuff!
Really is a brilliant gem this book; Bahu's style speaks for itself, completely lucid and absolutely no beating around the bush! This man defies our geneartions description of greatness, he transcends it, which isprobable given his closeness to God; and God, transcends description, Godis "the perfect balance, ever at peace, ever the same, man cals itGod, even thogh it is too wondrous to be named, yet holy is its name andholy the tongue that keeps it holy" -Mirdad this is what Bahu seeks toconvey, throught he medium of Love, and wonderfully powerful is his lovefor the lord, has to be read to be beleived. Elias does an excellent job ofbringing the urdu meaning of Bahu brillinace across to english readers. Avery very satisfying read, a book to be cherished and pased on forgenerations. ... Read more

Product Description
A beautifully illustrated introduction to Sufism, the mystic tradition of Islam.

Sufism is the inner dimension of Islam, expressing hidden archetypes in concrete symbols. To the Sufi, both the ritual of the worshipper and the work of the craftsman evoke the life that resides within all things: the preparedness of matter to answer the call of God. The basis of Sufism, as of all Islam, lies in the twin doctrines of the Unity of Being ("There is no god but God") and the Universal Prototype ("Muhammad is the Prophet of God").

Through the Sufi themes of the descending arc of Creation, the foundation of the human soul, and its return through the ascending arc of the Quest, Laleh Bakhtiar brings to light the spiritual reality that underlies the forms and rhythms of the Islamic tradition. Her introduction is suitable for both novice and experienced readers. 137 Illustrations, 30 in color. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Tasawwuf al-Irani
Bismillah!Even after years of reading Sufi material, this book retains a special place in my memory for the beautiful introduction it provided to the Way of Return.This book is esentially the most inspired best coffee-table book I've ever come across, combining luxuriously illustrated design with lucid essays on the sacred quest, the relationship of shaykh and disciple, and various doctrines such as expansion and contraction in creation and consciousness. All of this places the Sufi way firmly in the unveiling of the last Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and the world of Islam.Culturally, this book favors the Iranian (and therefore Turkish and central Asian as well) tradition and neglects aspects of the Arab and Indian Sufi expressions.

Beautiful Introduction to Sufism
This book is a wonderful introduction to Sufism, the mystical tradition ofIslam.The first part of the book is a lucid essay about the origins andbasic outlook of the Sufis; Bakhtiar contrasts Creation ("the arc ofdescent") with the mystical quest ("the arc of the ascent"). The second part of the book is an exquisitely beautiful collection ofphotographs and reproductions of traditional Sufi illuminated manuscripts;the colors are strikingly clear.The third part of the book highlightsparticular themes in Sufism, including the Sufi understanding of geometry,architecture, music, poetry, and dreams.This book is a must for anyonewho intuitively understands the connection between spirituality and thevisual arts. ... Read more

Product Description

Sufism, the mystical path of Islam, is a key feature of the complex Islamic culture of South Asia today. Influenced by philosophies and traditions from other Muslim lands and by pre-Islamic rites and practices, Sufism offers a corrective to the image of Islam as monolithic and uniform.

In Sacred Spaces, Pakistani artist and educator Samina Quraeshi provides a locally inflected vision of Islam in South Asia that is enriched by art and by a female perspective on the diversity of Islamic expressions of faith. A unique account of a journey through the author’s childhood homeland in search of the wisdom of the Sufis, the book reveals the deeply spiritual nature of major centers of Sufism in the central and northwestern heartlands of South Asia. Illuminating essays by Ali S. Asani, Carl W. Ernst, and Kamil Khan Mumtaz provide context to the journey, discussing aspects of Sufi music and dance, the role of Sufism in current South Asian culture and politics, and the spiritual geometry of Sufi architecture.

Quraeshi relies on memory, storytelling, and image making to create an imaginative personal history using a rich body of photographs and works of art to reflect the seeking heart of the Sufi way and to demonstrate the diversity of this global religion. Her vision builds on the centuries-old Sufi tradition of mystical messages of love, freedom, and tolerance that continue to offer the promise of building cultural and spiritual bridges between peoples of different faiths.

Product Description
This is the first English translation of a 12th-century Sufi text dealing with spiritual ascent. Ibn Arabi's writings have influenced both Muslim and Christian traditions. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

great book
Great book!I bought one long time ago, but I lend it to someone and I didn't get t back, so I need it to give myself a new copy.

The Greatest Sheikh
As ampangbear said, this is not a book for beginners. It is, in fact, quite intense. When I read it, I had to stop and rest after a few pages!

It is clear that Sheikh ibn Arabi saw and understood what we do not. His explanations challange the very limits of our beings. Yet, in the end, we are left with the removal of another Veil that seperated us from Allah.

Absolutely Not For A Starter ...
I have to agree that this 'manual' is MOST definitely NOT for a beginner or for someone who still has to figure what life is all about. If a person of such nature wishes to anyway, it would be best to get a 'guide' to facilitate readings. But this is MOST definitely a good reading for those who wish to continue 'discovering' yourselves. I LOVE it. And the best part is, after the first time you complete the book, the very NEXT TIME you read the chapters again, you will find in them a new added understanding towards the meanings. Simply Fascinating. Lots of Terms too, but ignore them. There won't be any exams, afterall.

Secrets within secrets
Move forward in time and try to visulaize your death... then look back at your life and see what really matters in life? You have to go back where you came from and nothing can change that fact. It may not be a bad idea to get closer to the Ultimate Power in your life time. This is not a book for the beginers who are trying to figure out the meaning of life and our relationship with God but for those who don't have any doubts in their minds and a feeling of completeness... this may shed some light on how to get closer. You must demolish all your pre concieved notions within your brain and enter the abstrat world before you read it. ... Read more

Product Description

Meeting the ever increasing interest in Islam and Sufism, this book is the first comprehensive study of Sufi Qur’anic commentaries and includes translations of many writings previously unavailable in English. It examines the shared hermeneutical assumptions of Sufi writers and the diversity in style of Sufi commentaries. Some of the assumptions analyzed are:

Customer Reviews (1)

An excellent work in sufi tafsir
Following the studies in classical tafsir that Routledge is editing, K. Sands has done an excellent work. She goes through all the mains tenets and ideas of the sufi interpretation of the Quran. The ellection of the chapters and the authors gives a good resume of the main ways that the sufis has looked to the Quranic text.
In my opinion an "must have" book for those who want to deep in the studies of quarnic exegesis or sufi think.
... Read more

Product Description
The dog is considered to be a model for fidelity in classical Sufi literature. In this collection of stories praising the dog's sense of patience, gratitude, service and self-sacrifice are the shared virtues of both dog and man. One anecdote begins: "I learned Sufism from a dog sleeping by the door of a house ...". Sufis see the value of humility, loyalty and the importance of taming the unruly aspects (nafs), inviting the reader to share in the wisdom of Jami when he says "I am the dog at the threshold of neediness, my collar is fashioned from fidelity to God." ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

outstanding
i have read just about all of the author's works, although rarely putting revelations into practice.ummmm.well, one of my friends and i are avid dog lovers, so, when i saw this book, i got myself and my friend copies to read.the author finds within dogs many of the blessings and characterizations of Allah!he essentially sets up dogs to be heaven sent creatures, which, we dog lovers already knew that our dogs were gifts from god.the author writes in brief, usually stories of one paragraph, each one transmitting a message or learning for the reader.as always, sublime brilliance is found page after page.A+.this is fun and educational!it is highly recommended!

Ideals and Realities of Islam
This book dispells the myth that all Muslims hate dogs.You will see that the kind hearted Muslim Sufis treated the dog with reverence as they revere all of God's creation. ... Read more

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Drawing on the long history of Islamic arts in sub-Saharan Africa, A Saint in the City investigates in depth the vibrant and sophisticated arts of urban Senegal. Underscoring the interconnectedness of art and life, it insightfully penetrates the visual culture of the Mouride Way, a Sufi movement steeped in the mystical teachings of Sheikh Amadou Bamba (1853–1927). It focuses in particular on the ways in which sacred images "work" for people as powerful acts of devotion and prayer. The remarkable proliferation of arts in the city of Dakar, from bold street murals to virtuosic calligraphy and intricate, colorful glass paintings, attests to the transformative potency of images in Mouridism. This way of life, grounded in the dignity and sanctity of work as conveyed by the teachings of Amadou Bamba, is observed by over four million Senegalese--half the Muslim population in this small country--as well as by thousands more around the globe.

A Saint in the City brings together a range of artists--regardless of background, training, rootedness in the "traditional" medium, or style--who share a belief in the Mouride Way. The book boldly transgresses the boundaries normally enforced between the local and the global, fine art and popular art, the gallery and the street, the historical and the contemporary. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Best book on the arts of Touba
One of the best complied books on The sufi Saint, Amadou Bamaba and all of the art that comes from his greatness. Beautifully put together and a must have for anyone who loves african art, african sufism, or african mysticism. Definently one to collect.

Iconic work
Senegal is a cradle of juxtaposed cultures and civilizations.
The contribution of Sufism art is well felt in Senegal.
The book invites us to appreciate such an influence. It has strong ramifications in our schools' system.
It is pleasing to see international writers spending their time to broaden the masses' understanding of our culture.
Sufism in Senegal is different from its counterpart in Muslim countries.
In Senegal, Sufism espouses our ethnic tradition and way of life.
The book clearly explained this harmonious unity.
... Read more

Product Description
Focuses on the poems rather than on their authors. Surveys the development of Persian mystical poetry, dealing first with the relation between Sufism and literature and then with the four main genres of the tradition: the epigram, the homiletic poem, love poetry and symbolic narrative. ... Read more

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" . . . will be of interest not only to those concerned with Pakistan and the new Muslim presence in Europe, but also to those interested in an anthropological study of religion." --Barbara Metcalf Pnina Werbner traces the development of a Sufi Naqshbandi order founded by a living saint, Zindapir, whose cult is centered in the North West Frontier Province of Pakistan and has extended globally to Britain, Europe, the Gulf States, and Southern Africa. Drawing on 12 years of fieldwork in Pakistan and Great Britain, she presents an ethnographic perspective on ritual and belief, examining how such cults are manifested through ritual action and embodied in sacred mythology and transnational movement. ... Read more

Product Description

In recent years Sufism has undergone something of a revival as a spiritual alternative to other manifestations of Islam. This book investigates the development of Sufism in Western societies, with a regional focus on North America and Europe. Exploring a number of issues relating to the dynamic tensions between religious globalization processes and specific sacred localities, this book looks at the formation of Sufi movements that have migrated from their place of origin to become global religious networks.

Sufi groups are highly differentiated and often inaccessible, so the origins and development of Sufism in the West have not been widely studied. Employing a comparative approach based on regional fieldwork and case studies, this book addresses theoretical issues and gives a comprehensive analysis of distinct communities and the development of regional branches of Sufi orders, providing an international perspective on Sufism in the West. With contributions from well-known international experts on the topic, the book addresses Sufi orders in the context of the transnational networks in which they are operating and the constraints of the localities in which they live.

This book will be of interest to scholars and students of religion, Islam and Sufism in particular.